BT offers broadband for 99% of UK by 2020

BT has offered to provide the infrastructure for 99% of premises in the UK to get broadband speeds of at least 10 megabits per second by 2020. The telecoms firm claimed that by using a range of technologies, including fibre and fixed wireless, broadband can reach 99% of the UK by 2020. "Our latest initiative aims to ensure that all UK premises can get faster broadband, even in the hardest to reach parts of the UK," said BT chief executive Gavin Patterson. The universal service obligation - which the government planned to roll out in 2020 - would have meant that everyone, regardless of where they live, would have the right to request a broadband connection, and BT would have to provide the infrastructure. The move was intended to shake up UK broadband, with the view that an independent Openreach would deliver better customer service and investment in broadband.